Remembering Little Jimmy Dickens

     Country music lost one of its most beloved stars on Friday when Little Jimmy Dickens passed away at 94 years old.  Little Jimmy Dickens was a Country Music Hall of Fame Member and Grand Ole Opry Member.  In fact, he was the longest tenured Opry member, joining the sacred institution in 1948.  He was known far and wide for his comedic styling and wit, but far above that, Little Jimmy was loved for his caring attitude and tender guidance.  His stature was the only "little" thing about him; he had a giant heart and left a large shadow over the Opry stage.

The 100 Greatest Country Songs of All Time Part 10: 10-1

     We've already covered 90 of the best songs in country music history.  Now, we finally have gotten to the top ten.  These ten songs, in my opinion, are the ten songs that shaped, progressed, or defined the genre in one way or another.  Hopefully, you will hear a new song for the first time through this and learn a little something about country music history.  Thank you everyone who has taken this journey with me.  This series has been the most difficult and the most rewarding thing I've ever created for this site.  Now, without further ado, Keep It Country Kids proudly presents The 100 Greatest Country Songs of All Time Part 10: 10-1.

The 100 Greatest Country Songs of All Time Part 9: 20-11

     The 100 Greatest Country Songs of All Time continues with Part 9: 20-11. As we push ahead toward the greatest song of all time, we get to experience some of the best that country music has to offer. I hope as you make this journey, you see one of your favorite songs, rehear an old classic you may have forgotten about, and, most importantly, you learn some of the greatest songs for the first time. Keep It Country Kids proudly presents The 100 Greatest Country Songs of All Time Part 9: 20-11.

The 100 Greatest Country Songs of All Time Part 8: 30-21

      The 100 Greatest Country Songs of All Time continues with Part 8: 30-21. As we push ahead toward the greatest song of all time, we get to experience some of the best that country music has to offer. I hope as you make this journey, you see one of your favorite songs, rehear an old classic you may have forgotten about, and, most importantly, you learn some of the greatest songs for the first time. Keep It Country Kids proudly presents The 100 Greatest Country Songs of All Time Part 8: 30-21.

The 100 Greatest Country Songs of All Time Part 7: 40-31

     The 100 Greatest Country Songs of All Time continues with Part 7: 40-31.  As we push ahead toward the greatest song of all time, we get to experience some of the best that country music has to offer.  I hope as you make this journey, you see one of your favorite songs, rehear an old classic you may have forgotten about, and, most importantly, you learn some of the greatest songs for the first time.  Keep It Country Kids proudly presents The 100 Greatest Country Songs of All Time Part 7: 40-31.

The 100 Greatest Country Songs of All Time Part 6: 50-41

     The 100 Greatest Country Songs of All Time continues with Part 6: 50-41.  As we push ahead toward the greatest song of all time, we get to experience some of the best that country music has to offer.  I hope as you make this journey, you see one of your favorite songs, rehear an old classic you may have forgotten about, and, most importantly, you learn some of the greatest songs for the first time.  Keep It Country Kids proudly presents The 100 Greatest Country Songs of All Time Part 6: 50-41.

The Top 10: Johnny Cash

     Johnny Cash is more than a country music singer, he is an American legend.  Johnny was a master of bringing the everyday American's story to song form.  His discography is not just a playlist, but a national treasure.  In late March, an album Johnny recorded in the 1980's titled Out Among The Stars was released for the first time and hit number one on the country charts.  To celebrate, Keep It Country Kids proudly presents The Top 10: Johnny Cash.  Cutting down Johnny's massive song collection to 10 was near impossible, but I feel this is a great, but tiny, collection from The Man In Black.

The 100 Greatest Country Songs of All Time Part 5: 60-51

     The 100 Greatest Country Songs of All Time continues with Part 5: 60-51.  As we push ahead toward the greatest song of all time, we get to experience some of the best that country music has to offer.  I hope as you make this journey, you see one of your favorite songs, rehear an old classic you may have forgotten about, and, most importantly, you learn some of the greatest songs for the first time.  Keep It Country Kids proudly presents The 100 Greatest Country Songs of All Time Part 5: 60-51.

The 100 Greatest Country Songs of All Time Part 4: 70-61

   

     The 100 Greatest Country Songs of All Time continues with Part 4: 70-61.  As we push ahead toward the greatest song of all time, we get to experience some of the best that country music has to offer.  I hope as you make this journey, you see one of your favorite songs, rehear an old classic you may have forgotten about, and, most importantly, you learn some of the greatest songs for the first time.  Keep It Country Kids proudly presents The 100 Greatest Country Songs of All Time Part 4: 70-61.

Remembering Keith Whitley

    25 years ago today, country music saw one of its brightest stars burn out far too early.  Keith Whitley was one of the finest singers to ever grace the stage of the Grand Ole Opry and the airwaves of country radio.  Keith was a champion of traditional country music and bluegrass.  He helped mix the sounds of yesterday with the current trends of the late 80's to create a sound that had across the board appeal.  Sadly, as often the case, Keith brought some of those sad old drinking songs to life one too many times.  Today, Keep It Country Kids remembers the great Keith Whitley.

The 100 Greatest Country Songs of All Time Part 3: 80-71

      The 100 Greatest Country Songs of All Time continues with Part 3: 80-71.  As we push ahead toward the greatest song of all time, we get to experience some of the best that country music has to offer.  I hope as you make this journey, you see one of your favorite songs, rehear an old classic you may have forgotten about, and, most importantly, you learn some of the greatest songs for the first time.  Keep It Country Kids proudly presents The 100 Greatest Country Songs of All Time Part 3: 80-71.

The 100 Greatest Country Songs of All Time Part 2: 90-81

    The 100 Greatest Country Songs of All Time continues along with Part 2: 90-81.  As we continue to countdown towards the greatest song of all time, I hope you learn a little about country music history, and possibly hear some of these amazing songs for the first time.  Now, on with the countdown!

The 100 Greatest Country Songs of All Time Part 1: 100-91

     Keep It Country Kids is proud to announce we have hit 100 posts!  It's a big milestone for a small, independent blog of this nature, so to celebrate, we are taking on the largest undertaking on the site yet!  Beginning right here with post 100, we will countdown the 100 Greatest Country Songs of All Time. There isn't a specific formula to the process, but it is a combination of personal taste, success of song, and historical impact on the genre.  There are songs from every decade, every style, and every era of country music.  Hopefully you will learn a little bit of country music history, hear some of your old favorites, and (most importantly) hear some of these classics for the first time.  Keep It Country Kids is proud to present The 100 Greatest Country Songs of All Time Part 1: 100-91

Remembering Ray Price

     Country music legend Ray Price went home to be with the Lord on Monday.  Ray Price was 87 years old, and lost his battle with pancreatic cancer with his family and loved ones near at his ranch.  Ray was a influential giant in the direction of country music, both in the past and the present.

Throwback Thursday: Remembering Johnny Cash

     10 years ago today, we lost Johnny Cash.  Johnny Cash was a pillar of not only country music, but American music.  His love for the storytelling and emotion of a song was surpassed only by his love for June, who also passed away 10 years ago this year.  Johnny Cash was arguably the greatest country singer of all time, and is listed as an influence on countless artists.  He could do it all.  He worked with everyone from Elvis Presley to Waylon Jennings to Rick Rubin to Bob Dylan.  He recorded songs penned by anyone from Shel Silverstein to Trent Reznor of Nine Inch Nails.  He sang songs about murder and drugs followed by a gospel song.  He could tell a story and break your heart like no other.  Johnny Cash IS country music.  Keep It Country Kids thanks the Man in Black for being a giant of music, and a giant of a human being.  Thank you for keeping it country, Johnny.  We miss you and June every day, and your music still lives on.

      The best way to celebrate Johnny is through his music, so here are some of my favorites.

Remembering George Jones

     On Friday, country music was dealt a terrible blow when we lost the legendary George Jones. "The Possum" was a country music giant, with a voice unlike any other. George was in the middle of his farewell run, The Grand Tour, but sadly, could not make it to the end. I would like to share a few words and spend some time remembering George Jones.

Waylon Wednesday "This Time"

     It's been awhile since my first "Waylon Wednesday", work will do that to ya... But finally it's back!  This week is a live performance of "This Time", featuring some sweet guitar picking and the rough and powerful vocals we come to expect from ol' hoss.  I hope you all enjoy this as much as I did!

Throwback Thursdays: Lefty Frizzell

     This week's Throwback Thursday features Lefty Frizzell doing a few of his biggest hits, "If You've Got The Money (I've Got The Time)" and "Saginaw, Michigan".  Enjoy the sounds of one of the greatest voices in country music history!!

Throwback Thursdays: "Mama Tried"- Merle Haggard

This week's Throwback Thursday is courtesy of Merle Haggar.  "Mama Tried" is one of the most iconic songs in country music history.  Merle is a rare talent, who's songwriting is matched by his killer vocals and superb picking skills.  Sit back and enjoy as Merle turns 21 in prison doing life without parole!

Throwback Thursdays: "Cold Cold Heart"- Hank Williams

The latest Throwback Thursday features the King of Country Music, Hank Williams.  Hank had the brutal honesty and heartfelt voice that made every song come to life.  "Cold Cold Heart" is one of the best of his many classics.  Enjoy the very best doing what he does!